All around this world we see people who are suffering in so many ways. Many people are reaching out for help, and asking the question, "What in the world is going on?" Their lives are in a state of turmoil with uncertainty all around them. They see their hopes and dreams vanishing right before their eyes. Many are concerned about their children's future, and what might be in store for them.

People just don't know which way to turn in a world that seems to be falling apart and ready to self-destruct at any moment. Most don't realize, or they refuse to believe, that we are now living in the days just prior to Jesus' return. My heart and prayers go out for them.

Today we see storm clouds gathering all around Israel with nations committed to destroy her and the Jewish people. We hear of feverish negotiations and schemes underway to further divide Israel and Jerusalem - the apple of God's eye. The nations involved seem to be obsessed in their efforts to divide Jerusalem, with many determined to destroy Israel that the name of Israel be remembered no more. Sadly, the USA is forcefully leading the way toward those efforts.

God has warned in Zechariah 12:2-3 KJV, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it."

Jerusalem has now become the burdensome stone the prophet Zechariah wrote about over 2500 years ago. From those Scriptures, we know that God has promised to destroy every nation attempting to go against Israel. The KJV uses the words "cut in pieces". Just look around, and you will see those pieces beginning to pile up on the cutting room floor - not only here, but worldwide.

As never before we're seeing unprecedented levels of earthquakes, killer tornados and storms, floods, violence, unemployment, volcanoes, bankruptcies, disease, moral decay, a world on the brink of war, and so much more. Also, a few days ago there was a devastating oil well disaster near our shores that is growing more serious with each passing day. It very likely could destroy beautiful coastal areas, wildlife, marine life, and the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people for decades, or more.

We are told in Scripture that all of those things would happen in the last days. Their frequency and intensity will increase as the Day of the Lord draws near. That is exactly what is happening. However, those who know the Scriptures should not be surprised or alarmed.

I personally believe Scripture is telling us that Jerusalem is God's "line in the sand", and when crossed, His fierce wrath and judgment will be unleashed on this unbelieving world. What we are witnessing today may be early warnings of God's wrath - as crossing that line in the sand becomes closer to reality. In spite of all that is happening today, the world hasn't seen anything yet. It's only the beginning, and will become much worse.

However, all born-again believers can take comfort in knowing we serve a great God. With the world crumbling all around us, with turmoil everywhere we look, and with Israel surrounded by armies seeking to destroy her, we know that our Sovereign God is in control and holds tomorrow in the palm of His hand. He has a plan, and has declared the end from the beginning. Nothing will happen in this world without His knowledge and permission.

We must watch what is taking place with Israel and Jerusalem. They are God's time clock - a clock that is rapidly ticking to usher in the final end time events leading to Christ's return. What a time to be alive to witness those events unfolding just as Scripture foretold!

In these last days I choose to be a watchman as explained in Ezekiel 33:6, ready to sound a trumpet warning...and ready to share the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-4) while there's still time. I'll do that for as long as I have life and breath, or until Jesus returns for us.

Until that great day arrives, we must trust Him, we must lean on Him, and by faith know that we know He will care for His own as He has promised. Then, in all things, lift up His Holy Name, sing praises to Him, and thank Him - for His return is very near. Hallelujah!

Watch, pray, and keep looking up!

During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up!